[MSN] AXA ART RESPONDS TO LATEST ART THEFTS OFFERS MUSEUMS WORLDWIDE SWIFT PROTECTION ENHANCEMENTS THROUGH SECURITY AUDITS

[MSN]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:  Rosalind Joseph; 
Tel: 718.710.7181
Email: rjoseph at axa-art-usa.com



AXA ART RESPONDS TO LATEST ART THEFTS
OFFERS MUSEUMS WORLDWIDE SWIFT PROTECTION ENHANCEMENTS 
THROUGH SECURITY AUDITS


COLOGNE, Germany - February 15, 2008-   AXA Art, the leading global art
insurance specialist, today announced that effective immediately, the
company is offering to conduct security protocol assessments of museums in
its key markets. The goal is to identify weaknesses and provide feedback on
measures that can be quickly implemented to deter theft.

In the face of the most recent major art thefts in Switzerland - within only
a few days of each other - resulting in heightened concerns within the
museum community about increase in frequency of such major incidents - the
goal of AXA Art is to offer assistance to museums that seek to re-examine
and improve their existing physical, electronic and manned security systems
and procedures. This process includes an interview and physical inspection
by an AXA Art approved security surveyor followed by recommendations to each
museum to enhance its existing procedures.  The surveys will concentrate on
all aspects of theft and armed robbery prevention. The service is free to
AXA Art clients internationally. A moderate flat fee will be charged for
non-AXA Art clients.  

"We consider theft a huge and increasing threat to museums worldwide and as
the leading art insurer we are committed to help museums protect themselves
and their collections," says Dr. Ulrich Guntram, CEO of AXA Art Insurance
AG. "The joining of forces between a museum and its insurance company is an
obvious first step in preventing future incidents." 
   
Successful robberies are usually characterized by easy access to objects and
quick escape routes. While one can ultimately not prevent an armed robbery,
implementing effective security measures that include coordinated
mechanical, physical and electronic procedures can serve as deterrents and
hinder the success of thieves.  

Some helpful hints include not hanging important works of art close to
entrance and exit doors; tightly securing or encasing important works; not
allowing cars to park near building exits and entrances; maintaining video
surveillances inside galleries and around museum facilities.   
  
Several years ago, recognizing the lack of standard procedures for security
and facility management in the art world, AXA Art hired Global Risk
Partners, an expert security firm, to develop a "Global Risk Assessment
Platform (GRASP)" to create and manage a risk assessment system based on
best practices. By the end of 2006, AXA Art launched its "Museum Security
Program" in Europe and a "Warehouse Security Program" in the USA. To date,
more than 60 warehouses and 150 museums have been audited. 

While the GRASP survey is extensive and covers over 1000 questions, the
present offer to audit museums will focus on security measures to deter
theft and armed robbery only.

For information on this offer to AXA Art's clients; please contact Rosalind
Joseph at 718.710.5181 or email: rjoseph at axa-art-usa.com

About AXA Art Insurance
AXA Art is the leading global Art Insurer with  international  headquarters
in Cologne, Germany, and offices in France, the UK, Spain, Italy,
Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, North America and Asia. The company
insures objects in every active area of collecting which extends from
paintings, drawings and sculpture to rare stamps, antique furnishings and
vintage vehicles. AXA Art serves a wide range of clients, from first-time
purchasers to the world's most respected collectors, as well as artists,
museums, galleries, corporations, and exhibition. 

In North America AXA Art maintains operations in New York, Atlanta, Los
Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and Boston as well as Toronto and
Montreal. For more information visit www.axa-art.com